What to Do After a Fire | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

If you have fire damage in your home, you can count on us for restoration assistance. Contact SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews to learn more.

When a fire strikes, it can quickly feel overwhelming. Whether your fire was small—affecting only the stove, for example—or large, you may have many thoughts going through your head and concerns in your mind.

That’s why it’s a good idea to brush up ahead of time on what to do if a fire ever occurs. Knowing the steps to take after a fire help you take quick action in a calmer manner than you might otherwise.

Here’s a checklist of what to do if a fire occurs in your home:

1. Get out and stay out. This might seem self-explanatory, but it’s so important. When a fire sparks and can’t be quickly extinguished with a fire extinguisher or other mechanism, you need to escape from the building. Once you’re outside, don’t go back inside until the fire has been put out by professionals and it’s deemed safe to do so.

2. Don’t turn the power on. The electrical system can be easily damaged during a fire, so it’s important to have it assessed by an electrician or other expert before using it again. The same goes for gas if any appliances are gas-powered.

3. Get in touch with your insurance provider. In your initial contact, you’ll simply alert them that a fire has occurred and they can outline next steps for you. This will likely include carefully documenting fire damage.

4. Photograph and make notes about damage. As noted above, this will be important for insurance purposes. Carefully document all damage related to the fire, including damage due to the actual flames, as well as damage related to other factors, such as soot, smoke or even the water used to extinguish the fire.

5. Find a safe place to stay. In many cases, your home may be uninhabitable after a fire. You’ll want to find a place to stay for a few days or even longer. Consider the needs of all your family members, including your pets.

6. Get in touch with a restoration provider. It’s a good idea to establish a relationship with a restoration provider, like SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews, before disaster strikes. When a fire occurs, you can reach out to us immediately—we’re available 24/7 to get your restoration project started. We can help you out with many of the items listed above, including assessing your home, documenting damage and even working with your insurance provider.

Dealing with the after-effects of a fire in your house? We’ve got you covered! Get in touch today to get help from a team of experts.